An “extremely popular” bus service running through two large housing estates will be axed in the next two months.

It is believed that the 346 service, which currently runs from the Meriden and Tudor estates to Watford town centre, will be wound down before the end of March.

Reports suggest that bus company Mullany’s has already notified Hertfordshire County Council of the upcoming withdrawal, giving it the compulsory 56 days’ notice, although neither party was able to confirm this.

Meriden councillor Kareen Hastrick said she would fight to keep the service, which helps people of all ages living in the two estates take important trips into town.

She said: “It’s a commercial service so there is no obligation for the council to keep it but it going is going to make things a lot worse for residents.

“I am extremely keen to make sure this doesn’t happen – it’s an extremely popular route.”

She added: “This is a vital service for residents who are already ill-served for bus services. With Watford Community Housing Trust’s building plans for Meriden, demand can only increase for the future.”

Cllr Hastrick was informed of the decision on Wednesday after her constituents said they had received the bad news from the bus drivers.

She now plans to obtain usage figures from the county council in order to more capably argue the case that the service is well used.

“I will be talking to Hertfordshire County Council so we have got something concrete to work with,” she said.

“I want to have a meeting with Mullany’s to find out exactly why want to cut it. They must think it is not making money.”

Mullany’s has so far made no public announcement confirming the decision.